(Liberty)
Give Us Liberty
by Craig Castleberry
Theme: Liberty, Freedom
Scripture: “Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love endures forever.’ In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. Psalm 118: 4-5
Setting: Three women (Ami, Jenny, and Tami) are sitting on a blanket with a picnic basket or cooler or both. (They might have a soft drink in their hand or a small flag out of patriotism) They are all looking up as they watch a fireworks display. (A sound system might have some sound effects that are loud like fireworks. Also, if lights are low and only up on the scene, an occasional flash of light might give the appearance of fireworks in the distance...flash bulbs etc.)
Opening: All three ladies show awe and surprise at the same time as they look up and view the fireworks display. Sometimes they will point or even clap to show they are really enjoying the fireworks.
Ami: Just look at the beautiful fireworks! Have you seen anything like it?
Jenny: Yes, my children arguing just before we got here. That is a lot like it!
Tami: Ah, yours too! At least you didn’t have to pay for a family of six to get into this park.
Ami: Wow, four children, you are so very blessed. I could never have children. But, we adopted two and we love them both so much!
Jenny: I was adopted. You would think that it would be a good thing for me, but I was adopted into a BIG family. So, this weekend that big family is visiting for the weekend. I won’t stop cooking until they leave. What a job!
Tami: I just need some freedom from it all. It is like I am everyone’s servant. I need some freedom!
Ami: (Looking up at the fireworks again) Look at that! This is the best display yet!!!
Jenny: Freedom? Is there such a thing? We go home and what do we have to look forward to? Laundry? Cleaning? Cooking? There has to be more!
Tami: Ami (Trying to get her attention)...AMI! Are you going to gripe with us or not? (Almost screaming...This should get a laugh...allow for laughter before Ami speaks again)
Ami: Girls, freedom isn’t about what we have. Freedom is about Who we have. All things fall short of Jesus. He is the only one who gives true freedom. Once we trust Him and commit to serve Him, our whole life changes because we are truly free.
Jenny: So freedom is more than just what we don’t have to do?
Ami: Yes, it is also about what you should do. We are not set free by crying out to each other. Scripture tells us that when we cry out to God and God alone, He will answer by setting us free.
Tami: I’m really sorry for complaining so much. Maybe I should replace every complaint with thanks, instead.
Jenny: Now that has to be hard to do. I am way too good at complaining!
Ami: Let’s just try to do a little bit more every day, being thankful and complaining less.
All Ladies: WOW!!!! (All responding at the same time to the fireworks display)
Jenny: This is the best fireworks show yet!
Tami: Well, not really...(Pauses) I mean yes, this really IS the best fireworks show ever!
(They all look at each other and smile and then either Ami or someone not in the skit moves to the middle, standing and reads a poem)
The Liberty of God
by Craig Castleberry
There is so much more I could give to God
After all, He set me free.
There is so much more I can do for God
So much more that I can be.
I once was enslaved by sin against God
Sin that took over me
Yet, by His Son, it was the love of God
On a cross...came liberty.
But all my sins I had spent against God
Were buried in a grave
And Christ is risen, yes the Son of God
Gave freedom to this slave.
I gave my heart to my Father, God.
With Him true freedom rings.
It rings of this life devoted to God
I’ve surrendered...everything.
Study Questions
How much better is it when we cry out to God than crying out to each other?
Is there something in your life you need freedom from?
Once we are saved, is sin still an issue?
In the scripture passage, before we cry out to God, we should really fear Him first.
©2007 by Craig Castleberry